Thursday, November 4, 2010

For Anonymous: Bible College or Writing?

One of our readers posed the following question: I am an 18-year- old senior who is going to bible school next year because I feel God is calling me there, but I still really enjoy writing. I can write novels and freelance stuff... any suggestions what to do for the rest of the year? ( I am not published, but dream of being)Thanks!

Back when I was deciding what to do with my life and what my college major would be, (I briefly considered majoring in education because my Mom thought it was a good idea, but I eventually convinced her that journalism was the way to go, and 10 years into my professional career, I'm so glad I did), I knew that it would involve writing somehow. I just didn't know to what degree.

And once I made my way to bible college in Minneapolis, I was definitely the proverbial square peg in the round hole because everyone else had future pastoral aspirations or were planning on moving somewhere exotic like Bangladesh after getting their degrees in cross cultural ministries.Yet, while those are all certainly valuable pursuits, I was reminded by a wise professor of mine not to ever believe that writing is any less noble of a pursuit. Or worse yet, that it's not God's work. Some of the biggest culture-shapers are writers, after all...

See, when you've got a love for words and creating stories, (and I believe that's a God-given talent), you'll always find an avenue to use that gift, even if it's not your main focus. And just because you're enrolling in bible college doesn't mean that your interest in writing has to go to waste. I'd encourage you to take electives that will help you hone your craft. If your university has a school newspaper or literary magazine, I'd make sure I was contributing, too, because it's clips like those that will lead you down the prized road to publication.

But even more important than actually seeing your byline in print is that you'll be using your ability to its fullest, which is really the best blessing of all, whatever you decide to do.

I don't know if I should put this in the last post or not but I I've a questions for you girls. So many writers talk about always being storytellers that when they were little teachers noticed or they were always able to keep people entertained:1. Were any of you like that?2. Do you have to be a great storyteller from a young age to be a novelist? 3. Can writing ve learned?

This is sort of what I've been also been thinking about recently, since a few weeks ago I attended the "sneak preview night" of the Bible university I want to attend. It's my dream school, though there aren't many writing degrees offered. However, since I feel as if this is the direction God's leading me, I know that he'll continue to guide me in my writing career.

I definitely agree with you on two major points: that God uses and calls people in all walks of life and also that writers have a huge impact on culture and social mindset. I would just advise that anyone make sure that their calling is from God and not just because it seems like a good idea. Hope you guys have fun in your service to God, whatever it is.